Drama Unfolds On 'Megalopolis' Set: Coppola And Labeouf Clash

The Tense Behind-the-Scenes of 'Megalopolis'

In a dramatic reveal of on-set tensions, Francis Ford Coppola's ambitious sci-fi film "Megalopolis" is at the center of a new documentary showcasing heated exchanges between the iconic director and actor Shia LaBeouf. The documentary, "Megadoc," offers a candid glimpse into the production chaos that unfolded, revealing the strained dynamics behind the scenes.

Released in theaters on September 19, "Megadoc" chronicles the troubled making of "Megalopolis," a film that struggled at the box office with only $7.6 million in earnings against its hefty $136 million budget. The movie, featuring Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, and more, presents a modern twist on ancient Rome but faced criticism and challenges that extended far beyond its plot.

Coppola vs. LaBeouf: A Creative Clash

The documentary captures intense interactions between Coppola and LaBeouf, with the latter expressing frequent concerns about his job security on set. "I'm worried about getting fired all the time," LaBeouf admits in a moment of vulnerability to co-star Jon Voight. This anxiety is echoed in the actor's attempts to suggest new ideas, which Coppola perceived as overstepping.

“He drove me nuts, but his performance is great – and I’ll say it’s great,” Coppola reflects on the challenging collaboration.

Director Mike Figgis documents instances of LaBeouf pushing for more improvisation, which led to friction with Coppola's meticulous approach. "Shia, you’re full of s---," Coppola retorts during a particularly charged debate, underlining the stress of keeping the ambitious project on track.

Finding a Silver Lining Amid Chaos

Despite the volatility, Coppola acknowledges LaBeouf's talent, even as he hid away in his editing bay, affectionately named the "Silverfish," to escape the tumult. By the end of the project, the communication between director and actor was blunt, with LaBeouf recalling, "He says, ‘I have one regret on this project. I say, ‘OK, what’s the one regret?’ He says, ‘You.’"

Throughout "Megadoc," Coppola shares his emotional rollercoaster as he grapples with media scrutiny and challenges within the creative team. Despite the setbacks, the documentary concludes on a hopeful note, with Coppola determined to continue taking risks in filmmaking. "Whatever it is," Coppola says, "I’m going to be having fun."